I have two neutered male cats that I've had for about 6-7 months. Since I adopted them, they have always drove me nuts about going outside. So I gave in about a month ago and have been letting them outside for a few hours a day while I'm there. They absolutely love to go outside and one of them is very good about coming back in when I call him and the other runs every time because he never wants to come back in. I live in a very rural part of Georgia on a dirt road with hundreds of acres of woods and pastures around me so I don't want to hear all the "you should keep them inside only" crap because I've had cats in the country all my life that did just fine outside. My questions are, they are used to using the cat litter box inside and the times I've let them out, they just roam, I haven't seen them pee or poo anywhere outside, which is what I really want them to do. I don't really have a good place for a litter box in my house that is hidden from guests except my spare bedroom and I want to start using that room now. Not to mention my cats make a mess with the litter and won't use covered boxes, I've tried it. So, should I just leave them outside for longer time periods so they will eventually have to go outside or should I try putting the cat box on the porch and then taking it away after a few days or what??
I want them to be inside / outside but I want them to get used to going outside. Also, should I leave them food outside or have them only come inside to eat? I'm scared that leaving food would draw dogs / other things I don't want around.
Thanks!
Yes Lily, you have them pegged in your first paragraph. It's definitely that the one who comes is just a little skiddish outside and he minds well and the other is the mischevious one. Also, I've had cats all my life so yes of course I know whats involved with indoor cats as well as outdoor..i.e. the litter box etc. I just would prefer they start to use it outside like my previous cat so I can use this bedroom and to do away with the large litterbox I have. I can and will prob still get a small one and put it somewhere for them just incase but I wouldn't want them using it exclusively.
I want them to be inside / outside but I want them to get used to going outside. Also, should I leave them food outside or have them only come inside to eat? I'm scared that leaving food would draw dogs / other things I don't want around.
Thanks!
Yes Lily, you have them pegged in your first paragraph. It's definitely that the one who comes is just a little skiddish outside and he minds well and the other is the mischevious one. Also, I've had cats all my life so yes of course I know whats involved with indoor cats as well as outdoor..i.e. the litter box etc. I just would prefer they start to use it outside like my previous cat so I can use this bedroom and to do away with the large litterbox I have. I can and will prob still get a small one and put it somewhere for them just incase but I wouldn't want them using it exclusively.